Present: Ernie Gauck, Larry Meyer, Bill Metz, Kenny Owens, Danny Peters

Decatur County Council

9:00 a.m. Room 106

December 17th, 2013

Absent: Kenny Hooten, Geneva Hunt

Mr. Bill Metz led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes were approved as read.

Mr. Charlie Bill Connall, Adams Township Trustee was in to request additional funding to help take care of a few issues with cemeteries in his township. He presented a copy of a letter sent to the council in August requesting direction on how to take care of the additional work needing done to get his cemeteries up to the Cemetery Commission’s standards. He also attached the recommendations of the Cemetery Commission. After some discussion, Mr. Larry Meyer moved to give Adams Township an additional $1500 from Plans and Implementations to cover the work that needs to be done. Mr. Danny Peters seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Sheriff Greg Allen requested permission to use Sheriff Sale Fund money to purchase a software system for managing tax warrants. He discussed the current system and the volume of filings and the fact that dispatchers attempt to do this work in addition to their dispatch duties. The automated system would link with the Department of Revenue and would give the Sheriff’s Department the option to implement payment plans. The cost for the system is $8000.00 with an annual maintenance fee of $3000. Mr.

Kenny Owens moved to allow the purchase and Mr. Bill Metz seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Cintas representatives Jenna Sustas and Justin Burt were on hand to discuss a General Purchasing program with US Communities that would allow the county to get the best possible rates on cleaning supplies, toilet paper and a variety of other goods and services. Their company takes care of inventory and delivery. Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Burt to explain how Cintas gets paid if the procurement program isn’t through them. There were a few more questions and the representatives were thanked for their time.

Superior Court Judge Matt Bailey and Circuit Court Judge Tim Day were on hand along with Community Corrections Officer Mark Cripe to discuss adding an additional officer to the Community Corrections team. Judge Bailey stated that the position would be funded from the fees collected through the fully self-funded program if the county would agree to provide health insurance, retirement and vehicle insurance. Some statistics were cited and both judges discussed the July 1st, 2014 implementation of the Criminal Code Revision that will ultimately result in more offenders being on home detention instead of crowding the jails. The program is a bargain for taxpayers. The Sheriff’s Department will have office space for the new officer. The judges also mentioned that the vehicle they purchase will be marked as a Community Corrections vehicle and will be utilized for officers to take offenders out for community service projects, thus showing the community that these offenders are paying the

community back. Mr. Gauck commented that there really isn’t much of a decision to be made because it would be good for all involved. Mr. Meyer asked about how the fees are assessed. A minimum of $10 a day is required to be on home detention and the amount can vary from there based on income and other factors. Persons who fail to pay can have the privilege of being on home detention revoked. Mr. Metz moved to allow the county to pay insurance, Public Employment Retirement benefits and vehicle insurance for the new position. Mr. Kenny Owens seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously in a hand vote.

Discussion of the health department payment rate for nurses resulted in a hand vote with Mr. Meyer moving to set the part time nurses rate no higher than $25.65. Mr. Danny Peters seconded that motion. The motion carried with all five council persons in agreement.

Board Appointments:

Hugh Miller – SIRPC

Alcoholic Beverage Commission – Paul Ernstes

Council Attorney – Lora Reed Williams

County TIF Redevelopment – Kenny Owens accepted reappointment and Jim Saler is willing to serve also.

Economic Development – James Tomson was willing to accept reappointment.

Vernon Fork Water District – Dave Stults was reappointed. Mr. Meyer was very complimentary of the job Mr. Stults is doing.

There was discussion about the Parks Board. Paperwork indicated that Mr. Norman Campbell’s term expired in 2012. The Council decided to appoint P.J. Metz to the board.

The Board appointments all had motions and seconds and carried.

Mr. Meyer asked a question concerning the Cemetery Commission and the Adams Township request. There was discussion on budgets and maintenance responsibilities.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 21st at 9:00 a.m.

Mr. Peters moved to adjourn. Mr. Metz seconded the motion. The motion carried.